Encouragement

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When was the last time you were disappointed or disappointed someone?

When we expect things from people or a certain outcome and it doesn’t happen, we are disappointed. My spouse did me wrong… My parents weren’t there for me…My friends aren’t happy for me… My children don’t care for me… I was the best qualified for that job/promotion and I didn’t get it… The loan was disapproved…

Yes, when it first hits, it hurts, it’s overwhelming—you cry, get angry, depressed, frustrated—it’s devastating and you feel lost, alone, hopeless, like it’s the end of the world. And that’s ok! Because what you do after the initial reaction will make the difference of how it will ultimately affect you.

If you choose to, you can turn every disappointment around. Disappointment is a time of revelation, reflection, discovery, awareness— it’s when you find out/learn something about yourself, someone or a situation. However, what you do with this information will make the difference! Please don’t allow any disappointment to discourage or set back or stop what you are doing or should be doing or trying to do.

Now, let’s talk about people. People are who they are, you can’t change anyone, and you can’t control what they do or don’t do. So continue to love the person and with the information you have, just treat him or her accordingly. And sometimes this means at a distance. Also, don’t position yourself to be disappointed again, meaning, don’t expect certain things from that person. And the truth is, sometimes we expect more from people than what they can actually give or are willing to give. So, since you can only control you and change you, continue moving forward, regardless, staying focused and encouraged.

About situations, I’d say that you do have a certain level of control over the outcome. Use the information you have to make the necessary adjustments and changes to successfully achieve your goal or improve the situation. Prepare an action plan with deadlines and get it done. And once you are certain that you have fulfilled all expectations and requirements, revisit the situation. As I mentioned before, you do have some control over the outcome, so to avoid unnecessary disappointments, prep, do your homework, research, find out what are the expectations and/or requirements, and position yourself for success.

Remember, a disappointment is not the end—it’s the beginning of good things to come. And Christians, continue to stand firm on God’s promises that He will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5) and that all things work for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Family, friends, neighbors, people at work, school and church or occurrences will disappoint you, but one thing is sure, God will never disappoint you.

For more on disappointment, and related messages and scriptures go to my book A Time To Reflect pages 111, 303, 323, 327 and 331.

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